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Water protection switch would be a big mistake

The Gazette Opinion Staff

Mar. 28, 2011 11:50 am

The Iowa Legislature is hellbent on transferring water quality protection programs from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is quoted as saying “IDALS will be a partner with farmers, not a policeman.” There's just one thing wrong with that scenario. Farmers don't own water quality; it belongs to all of us.

When farmers row crop to the edge of the stream, apply ammonia to naked fields in the fall, or spread manure on frozen or snow-covered ground, they are stealing water quality from all of us.

So just ask yourself this: If someone is stealing from you, are you better off asking the thief's partner for help, or the police?

Steve Veysey

Ames

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